For purchases of ¥20,000 or more,JapanJPC will cover the domestic shipping charges! (However, some areas such as Okinawa and remote islands are excluded)
The world's largest drum event = Drummer's Paradise started in 2014. Dorapara, affectionately known as "Dorapara", restarted last June under the title "Drummer's Paradise 2023 in Osaka Natsujin" for the first time in five years, and in 2024 it was held in conjunction with "Tokyo Musical Instruments Expo 2024" held at the Science Museum in Tokyo on November 2nd and 3rd. Drum City from JPC will also be exhibiting at this Drapara! I visited each company's booth as much as time allowed.
■ What is Dorapara? ?
You can try out items from domestic and international brands.world's largestdrum event
Drapara started as a project at a musical instrument fair held in 2014, and is the world's largest event where you can freely try out products from popular domestic and international drum brands, such as live drums, electronic drums, and cymbals.It has been held four times in the past and has been well received by drum enthusiasts. Due to the spread of the coronavirus infection, it was extremely difficult to hold events for drums and other acoustic instruments.Momentum has grown to restart this event, and it was held last year for the first time in about 5 years, and for the first time in Osaka for the 5th time! !
This year, in response to many requests to hold Dorapara in Tokyo, we are collaborating with the Tokyo Musical Instruments Expo, which started last year as a comprehensive experience-based musical event. We will be holding a live event titled "Dorapara 24 Super Session" as a new attempt, while maintaining the concept of being able to freely try out products from domestic and foreign manufacturers. A one-day banquet was held with a group of gorgeous professional drummers (unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the event...).
■ Exhibition booths of each company that formed the center of the event
The Drummer's Paradise Corner is located in Buildings 6 and 7 of the Science and Technology Museum, which was the venue for the Musical Instruments Expo. The sight of drums from domestic and foreign manufacturers lined up in a row is truly a sight to behold!
Now, let's take a quick look at each booth.
■Hall 6 lined with major brands
▶Komaki Trading
Komaki Tsusho's booth with SONOR, Turkish cymbals, and Koide cymbals lined up. The sight of SQ1, new colors of the Vintage series, and Prolite sets lined up is a sight to behold! Goods such as T-shirts were also on sale.Personally, for those who love matte textured finishes, my favorite is SQ1's new color Satin Pure White.
▶KORG
At the KORG booth, which is well-known for its electronic musical instruments, there is a beautifully painted SAKAE OSAKA HERITAGE.As beautiful as ever, the high level of painting technique is surprising!Here is also a matte black set that is a favorite among people. The look is unified with matte black all the way to the parts, giving it a unique presence.Of course it was also possible to check the sampler pad. The high quality of the internal sound source is indescribable.
▶TAMA
The 50th anniversary limited model Superstar Reissue, compact Club Jam, and Starclassic Maple were lined up at the Tama booth.
▶Pearl
The Pearl booth features the high-mid range SESSION STUDIO SELECT, the special limited finish Reference One, and the electronic drum e/MERGE developed in collaboration with KORG.A set of Reference one with a beautiful special limited edition finish. The unique setup, which makes full use of the rack and curved arm cymbal stand, caught the eye.Electronic drum e/MERGE that looks completely acousticYou might want this! Pearl drum set by nono block! ! !
▶YAMAHA
From Yamaha drums to electronic drums DTX, Absolute Hyblid Maple, and Tour Custom. Other NATAL drum sets and the popular electronic drum Zildjian ALCHEM-E! ! !It is refreshing that the familiar logo on cymbals is printed on the front of the BD.Panoramic view of ALCHEM-E from the player sideThe sound source section features a simple front panel. In particular, I think anyone who tries it will be surprised by the realistic sound quality of the cymbal sound source!
■Cymbal experience special corner “Cymbal Park” and Hall 7 where electronic drums, imported & custom brands are gathered
▶ JPC (Drum City)
At the JPC booth, you'll find not only Drum City original items, but also highly recommended items from brands participating in the "Drum Builders Meeting" held this spring!There are many fashionable, convenient, and useful items for drummers to have. There's also the Kitayama Triangle!A drum key made from vintage keys and cymbal materials from the accessory brand Ceal, created by Enmeiji! Very stylish. . .Cantata drum keys are cutely wrapped in wool and are very popular at JPC stores.Snares from builders. In particular, the mahogany shell snare that riddim built especially for this event received great praise from everyone! !
▶Cymbal Park
Cymbal experience corner “Cymbal Park”Zildjian, SABIAN, PAISTE, Turkish, and Koide cymbals all gathered together for a sound check, so there was no end to the samplers.
▶ATV
ATV booth where you can carefully compare everything from entry models to high-end modelsSilent sessions were held throughout the day next to the exhibition space, and you could watch the wonderful performances using headphones.
▶Roland
Sorry! I forgot to take a photo of the entire booth. This is a V-drum acoustic design that pursues new possibilities for percussion instruments!A snap from the player side"DWe" is a true hybrid kit that can be used as both an electronic drum and an acoustic drum."V-Drums Quiet Design" is an innovative electronic drum kit for home use that pursues the ultimate in quietness.This is seriously amazing!
▶cymbalsmithHYH
Participating from Korea was cymbalsmithHYH, an individual company that manufactures cymbals from scratch.JapanDevelopment of two models, “Shizuku” and “Nami”, produced as exclusive models
▶Kiktani Music
Kikutani Music was mainly exhibiting Mapex, which has been revived in domestic distribution. In addition, the compact and easy-to-use electronic drum AWOWO and percussion-related accessories will also be on display.A 2BD kit with full Mapex characteristics. The beauty of the finish is also noteworthy!
▶Electric
The electronic drum NUX is gaining attention due to its carefully constructed British drums and Asian cymbals, as well as its high cost performance.
▶Bonney Drum Japan
Bonney Drum Japan, a member of Builders Meeting, exhibited independently. The many well-designed items and the fashionable and cute booth are impressive.
■Extra edition
▶Kyoritsu Corporation
Although there was no exhibit at the Dorapara corner, I found a Gretsch set fully equipped with the EVANS sound deadening item "dB One" in the synth corner!``db one'' is a cymbal and drum head with approximately 80% volume reduction that maintains the touch and feel of an acoustic drum set, as well as a solid pitched drum sound, while still being loud enough to have a conversation with those around you.This is the latest model of REAL FEEL pad. The balance of feel, rebound, sound quality, and volume is just good! Recommended! !
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I took a quick look at each company's booth, but what did you think?
This is an overly brief introduction, and I don't think I've been able to convey the excitement and atmosphere of the venue, but I think it's rare to have the opportunity to try out so many brands of instruments all at once.